Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Pistons have signed another player to their training camp roster in free agent point guard Vernon Hamilton. Detroit's roster now stands at 17 but will have to be cut to 15 by the start of the regular season.

Hamilton played in Switzerland last season after spending time with the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as the NBA Development League.

Diogu, a 6'9" power forward who missed all of last season after signing with the New Orleans Hornets, was drafted No. 9 overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2005. He's also spent time with the Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings.

Already maxed out at 15 players on their roster, the Pistons aren't likely to keep Diogu unless they make a trade that opens a spot on the team.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons will host a free open practice inside The Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday, October 2 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Admission and parking is free for all fans and doors will open at 10:30 a.m.

“The open practice is a great event where our fans can come out and get a preview of this year’s team,” said Joe Dumars, Pistons President of Basketball Operations. “Having the practice free to the public is a great way to kick-off training camp and get the community excited about the upcoming season.”

Pistons players will practice on the court beginning at 11:30 a.m. Coca-Cola has teamed with the Pistons and will provide a free soft drink and hot dog as well as free preseason tickets. In addition, the event will feature a number of exciting opportunities for those in attendance. Pistons coaches will be on the microphone at the beginning of the practice to provide interaction with the fans while the 2010-11 Pistons Dance Team “Automotion” and Pistons mascot Hooper will perform along with the Pistons Flight Crew. Tours of the Pistons’ locker room will be available at the conclusion of the event.

“The Coca-Cola system, through its partnership with the Detroit Pistons and Domino’s Pizza, is offering Detroit fans free refreshments at the Pistons Open Practice and the opportunity to receive free tickets to a future preseason game,” said Mike Alter, Marketing Development Manager for Coca-Cola. “Coca-Cola has always been about small moments of refreshment – something that we all could use – so we’re inviting people to enjoy an ice-cold Coca-Cola, a hot dog and a future preseason game, all free of charge. It’s a little break that everyone can enjoy, and it’s on us.”

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Pistons are reportedly expected to invite only the 15 players currently under contract to training camp next month. The team has no room on its roster, meaning Detroit would have to waive a player with guaranteed money just for a free agent to have any chance at making the roster.

Barring any trades, the Pistons will likely bring back the same starting lineup from last season: Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey in the backcourt with Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace and Jonas Jerebko up front. Veteran reserve Charlie Villanueva has reportedly been working out all summer in Auburn Hills hoping to challenge Jerebko for the starting spot at power forward.